"We were told Katie would live just nine months if she didn't have a bypass operation before she was eight weeks old. The operation worked, but all it has done is buy Katie more time and she still needs a transplant - which could take years.

"We can't even fly her back to Britain for the operation because the waiting list is almost as long there, and it would cost us $200,000, which we can't afford."

Mr Tookey, who emigrated to Auckland six years ago, took matters into his own hands and launched the Give Life campaign to encourage people to become organ donors.

He said, "The only way of becoming an organ donor in New Zealand is to tick a box on your driving licence - but it means nothing in law and a person's family can override it. I want the law changed so no one can override that wish and I have lobbied the New Zealand parliament to do that."

Mr Tookey said, "Peter offered to help Katie so I asked him to help me make a TV advert. He agreed and has put up $350,000 to make the advert, and persuaded the famous advertising agency M&C Saatchi to write it for free.

"Now we are waiting to start filming and we're hoping Sir Ian McKellen will play the lead in between shooting scenes for the next Lord of the Rings film."

The advert named Pearly Gates - will feature Sir Ian as Saint Peter, playing games and doing odd jobs to pass time in heaven because no one is coming through the gates.

It ends with the slogan: "Talk to your family - one donor can save seven lives."

Mr Tookey said, "Katie looks like a normal child and isn't suffering at all, but we know the damage is being done on the inside. Her liver is getting more and more damaged every day and the clock is ticking.''

Katie's family back home in Newport have their fingers crossed for her - because the toddler's illness means they have never even met her.

Grandma Shirley, 62, said, "Katie's condition means they can't fly over here to visit because she needs to be on standby in case a liver becomes available.

It will be fantastic when she is finally well enough to come over so I can give her a big hug and tell her how proud I am."